The Office creator and star, who is currently filming in Los Angeles, was sent his award, which recognises an important contribution in the field of animal welfare.

The campaigning group behind what became known as Harvey’s Law also received the Arthur Broome Bronze Award, during the fifth annual RSPCA Honours which took place on Saturday (16.5.15). Pets killed on Britain’s highways will now be collected, identified and their owners notified, thanks largely to the petition launched by the group, which was signed by more than 100,000 people.

The campaign was launched by Nina Blackburn after her friend Jude Devine’s dog Harvey was killed on the M62 minutes after he went missing in 2013 – only for Jude to find out months later, after spending thousands of pounds searching for her beloved poodle.

A volunteer RNLI crew from Merseyside was recognised for their brave rescue of a dog in treacherous conditions at New Brighton in February.

The RSPCA Honours are an opportunity to recognise and honour all these people and organisations that help to make the lives of animals better; through kindness, courage, determination and innovation. Awards are given for bravery, outstanding service and to recognise exceptional contributions to animal welfare.

Dermot Murphy, the RSPCA’s Interim Assistant Director Inspectorate, said: “The RSPCA has a proud history of dedication to ending animal cruelty and preventing suffering. It is a history that will continue long into the future thanks to the magnificent work of our inspectors and front line staff.

“However, there is no doubting the enormous role played by other organisations, campaigners and tireless individuals to furthering the cause of animal welfare.

“The Honours recognise those people from both inside and outside the RSPCA who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to protecting and helping animals.

“It is thanks to them that thousands of animals are able to lead happy and healthy lives today.”

Winner of the Sir RSPCA Honours include the RSPCA’s former Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Research Animals Dr Maggy Jennings OBE. She was presented with the Sir Patrick Moore Award, in memory of the former RSPCA vice president, in recognition of an outstanding contribution in the field of animal welfare science.

Surrey vet Carl Boyde was awarded the Lord Erskine Silver honour, after his 60 years of service in which he provided vital support to RSPCA investigations into allegations of animal cruelty. Mr Boyde, from Chertsey, received the award which is in recognition of an individual who has made an important contribution to the field of animal welfare.

Lifelong animal lover Lorraine Carey was also given the Arthur Broome Bronze Award after she raised more than £5,500 for the charity through a series of extreme challenges.

The personal trainer from Winteringham has so far climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, done a skydive over Las Vegas and completed a 5km swim across Lake Windermere, along with numerous running and hiking events.

She decided to raise money for the RSPCA after the charity rescued three stranded horses that were chest deep in freezing water following a storm surge in the village where she lives.

A full list of all the RSPCA Honours winners can be found at www.rspca.org.uk/honours <http://www.rspca.org.uk/honours>